James Rodney Warner

North Andover - James Rodney Warner, 86, of North Andover, formerly of Groveland, MA and Salem, NH, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2019 at High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill.
James was known by many names - Dad, Rod, JR, Uncle Jimmy, and Pop Pop...
Rod, (known mostly by his friends), was born in Schenectady, NY on September 26, 1932, son of the late William L. and Myrtle E. (Schall) Warner. He is the brother of the late Robert J. Warner and David E. Warner.
Rod graduated Newton High School, Newton, MA in 1950. He then received his B.S. in chemical engineering from Purdue University in 1954. Shortly after, he honorably served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955-1957.
Rod worked at B.F. Goodrich Footwear & Flooring Division in Watertown, MA (1957-1963), then from 1963-1990 he worked at Flexaust Co. in Amesbury. He later joined Haartz-Mason Inc. (Watertown) as Chief Chemist, the company from which he retired in 1997.
Rod was an active member of the Groveland Congregational Church, where he volunteered much of his time, and sang tenor in the Choir for many years. He thoroughly enjoyed classical music and was a former Board member of the Merrimac Valley Philharmonic for several years.
Rod loved his country and our armed forces. He was also proud to be a member of the Masonic Freemasons.
Rod was a wonderful, caring, and thoughtful man who touched many people’s lives. He was always willing to help others. His most favorite things to do in life were sing, play cribbage (and poker), and just simply being around family and friends.
Rod is predeceased by his loving wife Eleanor (Presho), 38 years ago in 1980...(in his words “38 yrs too long”).
Rod is survived by his children: James Rodney, Jr. and wife Nicole of Milton, VT; Donald Jeffrey and wife Elizabeth of Milford, NH; Valerie Louise and husband Thomas E. Nettles of Woodbridge, NJ; sister Marion E. and husband Clarence Howard of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren Thomas James & Ryan Matthew Nettles; as well as several nieces and nephews, all of whom he adored.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the calling hours on Friday January 11th from 4-6 PM at H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Home, 106 Summer St. Haverhill. His funeral service will be held at the Groveland Congregational Church (King Street Groveland, MA) on Saturday January 12th at 3:00 PM with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warriors Fund, the American Cancer Society, and the Salvation Army.
To share a memory or for more information, please visit www.farmerfuneralhomes.com